Radio broadcaster leaving Muskegon Lumberjacks

MUSKEGON – Matt Gajtka, radio broadcaster and communications director for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, is leaving his position after one season.

Gajtka informed the team Tuesday of his intention to step down to pursue other interests.

Gajtka, a Pittsburgh native, said he plans to do some free-lance writing and hopes to stay in sports media, but does not have another full-time job lined up. Gajtka and his wife, Jillian, live in Walker.

Gajtka, 27, was hired less than a week before the start of last season. He handled the team’s public relations in addition to his radio duties. He also spent one season as the radio broadcaster for Youngstown in the USHL.

“I’d like to send my appreciation to all the Muskegon hockey fans who had a kind word for me and made me feel welcome,” he said. “This has been a great opportunity for me, but unfortunately, it’s no longer a good fit for me at this point.

“I love hockey and I believe in the USHL. This community deserves high-level hockey and I think people around here will continue to embrace the league and its mission of getting players to college and the NHL.”

No replacement for Gajtka has been named.

The Lumberjacks begin training camp at the end of August and open the regular season Sept. 29.